Preview
  • Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys

  • Music History as It Ought to Be Taught
  • By: David W. Barber
  • Narrated by: Jean-Michel George
  • Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (45 ratings)

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Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys

By: David W. Barber
Narrated by: Jean-Michel George
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Publisher's summary

David W. Barber has delighted fans around the world with Accidentals on Purpose, When the Fat Lady Sings, and other internationally best-selling books of musical humor. His best-selling Bach, Beethoven and the Boys chronicles the lives of the great (and not-so-great) composers, exploring their sex lives, exposing their foibles, and expanding on our understanding of these all-too-human creatures.

Filled with information, interesting facts, and trivia, this hilarious history covers music from Gregorian chant to the mess we're in now. From Bach's laundry lists to Beethoven's bowel problems, from Gesualdo's kinky fetishes to Cage's mushroom madness, Barber tells tales out of school that ought to be put back there (think how much more fun it would be if they taught this stuff).

"My heartiest commendation for an admirable work of scholarship.... I will not say again that it is funny, since this will compel you to set your jaw and dare Barber to make you laugh." (Anthony Burgess on Bach, Beethoven and the Boys)

©1986 David W. Barber (P)2018 David W. Barber
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What listeners say about Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys

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funny and whimsical

very enjoyable and quick audiobook. only 3 hours or so. nice for funny history lesson

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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MARVELOUS

I highly recommend this to any student of music that has endured a 3:00pm music history class.

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2 people found this helpful

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The Most Fun You’ll Have Learning Something

A delightfully irreverent take on classical music 🎶 it is quite funny and definitely a great way to spend time. The narrator is a perfect fit for the material.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Wanted: More audiobooks from the author

Fun listen owed in large part to narrator JM George's patrician nobility accent which adds a Pythonesque quality. Would purchase Mr. Barber's other works as audiobooks with this form of narration.

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5 people found this helpful

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Very Entertaining

Not a lot of new information of you have any background in Music History - BUT, VERY entertaining. Worth the time!

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1 person found this helpful